[Healeys] Westminster block

[Patrick & Caroline Quinn]

Hello

 

I get the impression that many think that the C-Series engine blocks fitted
to the 100/6 and 3000 Austin-Healeys is something special.

 

Fraid not!

 

As far as I know there are four different castings for the C-Series
(ignoring the MGC design). I am happy to be corrected.

 

Namely:-

 

The initial 2639cc casting that had a smooth sided crankcase and fitted as
early as 1954 to Morris, Wolseley and Austin engine including one
Austin-Healey - mine. This same casting  was later fitted to the Longbridge
built 100/6s.

The second 2639cc casting with strengthening braces in the crankcase that
were fitted to the Abingdon built 100/6 and the broad range of BMC saloons
including the Westminster.

The first 2912cc casting that was fitted to the 3000 as well as BMC
six-cylinder saloons. At that time BMC six-cylinder saloons were also
offered with 2,639cc powerplants.

The second 2912cc casting as fitted to almost all the BJ8s. Such a casting
was also fitted to BMC saloons.

 

I am also ignoring the differing cylinder head designs, camshaft grinds,
smaller capacity engines for sale in the French market and so on.

 

If I wanted to build up a special road engine the starting point would to be
sure that the engine is a 2912cc casting.

 

Hoo Roo

 

Patrick Quinn

Blue Mountains, Australia

 

 

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> On Behalf Of Simon Lachlan
via Healeys
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2023 5:59 AM
To: 'Healeys' <healeys at autox.team.net>
Subject: [Healeys] Westminster block

 

For ages I've been thinking of buying a 3000 engine and doing it up to a
fairly high spec. Nothing too clever, definitely a road car version. But I
always hang back when I see the prices of whole engines.

And, it strikes me, that one will probably have to ditch most of the moving
parts so why buy them in the first place?

Maybe buy a block and add the rest as and when. Some from eBay, some from
the usual suspects..

Tell me please:- am I right in my assumption that a Westminster block is as
near as makes no difference to a 3000 block? And that the main differences
in the engines would be in the moving parts and the head?

ie isn't a Westie block as good a place to start as any?

I ask this as there is a very presentable looking block up for sale near me.

Thanks,

Simon

 



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